صفحة 277 من 896

"It is possible," said the uncle, with great calmness. "For the

honour of the family, I could even resolve to incommode you to

that extent. Pray excuse me!"

"I perceive that, happily for me, the Reception of the day before

yesterday was, as usual, a cold one," observed the nephew.

"I would not say happily, my friend," returned the uncle, with

refined politeness; "I would not be sure of that. A good

opportunity for consideration, surrounded by the advantages of

solitude, might influence your destiny to far greater advantage

than you influence it for yourself. But it is useless to discuss

the question. I am, as you say, at a disadvantage. These little

instruments of correction, these gentle aids to the power and

honour of families, these slight favours that might so incommode

you, are only to be obtained now by interest and importunity.

They are sought by so many, and they are granted (comparatively)

to so few! It used not to be so, but France in all such things is

changed for the worse. Our not remote ancestors held the right of

life and death over the surrounding vulgar.